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Frog leather

Handbag from bullfrog leather in purple

We were going through this small shops and stalls selling souveniers and we
found this coin purse that looks ready to jump at us. Seriously, it is a frog
coin purse. So we did some research and put together stuff for you to read.

Bullfrog leather when finished has the characteristic "bumpy patterns" on
the back (where the leather comes from) with smaller bumps spread between the
large bumps and on the sides. It has a very attractive exotic value, and can
be very flashy when done in shoes. Besides purse, their are bullfrog leather
gun holsters, too.

The bullfrog is native to North America, but has been
introduced to a few places including Europe.

Where is it farmed?

Farmed in East Asia for leather. (Southeast Asia)

Dangerous to humans?

No.

When approached by a predater will warn with a special call. If that
doesn't work can kick, wrestle and push. I'm thinking WWF.

Afraid of humans?

Yes.

Oh, and do you know that the bullfrog can leap up to 2 meters long?

People injured yearly

Jumps on your feet and bruise it. Seriously, we'd be glad
to have information to post for you here.

People killed yearly
by

Oh bugs have the largest casualties, followed
by birds and turtles but humans, no.

Is meat edible?

Yes. The legs only.

Taste of meat

Tastes like chicken and only the legs are eaten. Best way
to cook them so far is by deep frying, add more seasoning if you don't
like the first taste.

Living habits:

This frog is found in ponds, lakes, or marshland mainly
where the water is quiet and covered with plants.

Do you know that bullfrogs use their skin as part of their breathing?

Eating habits:

Bullfrogs are carnivorous. The bullfrog's diet consists
of insects, and larger prey such as small mammals, birds, turtles, snakes,
and other frogs. As it forms a risk to some ecosystems in Europe, there
is an effort to prevent its spread there. There are farms in Southeast
Asia that raise bullfrogs for meat and for leather.

Did you know, when bullfrog legs are cooked (fried), they looked like
chicken drumsticks?

Farming style:

In a few locations they are commercially cultured in
ponds.

The traditional way of harvesting them is to paddle or pole silently
by canoe or flatboat in streams or swamps at night; when the frog call
is heard, fix a strong light on the frog. The frog will not jump into
deeper water as long as movement is slow and steady. When close enough,
the frog is speard by a trident and brought into the boat.

Harversting weight
and size:

About 3 years and above (adulthood).

Skin processing:

Two portions that make the leather, the
back and the belly, the back somewhat more attractive as it has the characteristic
small "bumpy pattern".

The skin is removed from all connecting tissue and fat and rubbed
in salt to prevent decomposition, and then tanned. The tanning process
follows that of chicken leather.

After tanning, the seller may color and finish it according to the
customer requirements. Green, orange? In matte finish? What would you
use it for, shoes or purse? Don't you just like choices.

Leather durability:

Durable like most leather, can be made into uppers for shoes
besides wallets and purses.

Leather softness:

Soft and springy.

Other Leather features:

The finished leather is full, bright-colored
and has a fine, smooth grain. With fine natural color, the finished leather
can be used for upper leather of clothing, shoe and cap etc.,